China’s planning for war is focused on using its most destructive weapons, and President Xi Jinping seems to be considering using them or at least threatening to do so. The changes in personnel within China’s Rocket Force, which is responsible for almost all of China’s nuclear warheads, are certainly part of what is an ominous development at this time. These moves by Xi Jinping, the Chinese ruler, are unprecedented.
In the beginning of July, Wu Guohua, the vice commander of the Rocket Force, allegedly committed suicide. Liu Guangbin, Li’s second-in-command, has also gone missing, along with Zhang Zhenzhong, a former deputy. None of them have been spotted in public since Xi removed Li Yuchao, the commander of the Rocket Force, and Xu Zhongbo, its political commissar.
The removal of the top two officers of the Rocket Force at the same time is unheard of, but there have been instances of senior Chinese military officers taking their own lives from time to time. The appointments of new officers from different branches are also unparalleled. Xu Xisheng, the newly appointed commissar, transitioned from the country’s air force, and Wang Houbin, the new Rocket Force commander, hails from the Chinese navy.
Observers from the United States believe that the sweeping purge designed to target widespread corruption in the senior ranks of the People’s Liberation Army seems to be aimed at addressing suspicions of other misconduct or graft. An unexplained shake-up of personnel, such as the one mentioned by Chris Buckley of The New York Times, suggests this.
This is the best explanation so far. According to a well-informed source from South China’s Hong Kong, almost all of the senior generals had good reputations before their promotions. It is widely accepted that corruption was tolerated among supporters during Xi Jinping’s decade-long rule, while it is well-known that the senior officer corps of the PLA is thoroughly corrupt.
Xi Jinping has been purging military officers opposed to his war preparations since the beginning of this year, and the explanation for the purge likely lies elsewhere. The reason behind the purge in the Rocket Force is more likely an excuse convenient than corruption.
The military indoctrination of children begins during their first years of school. China’s regime is mobilizing and sabotaging in a battle for civilians, while simultaneously trying to stockpile other commodities and grain to make the country sanctions-proof. Xi Jinping often talks about war and his regime is rapidly preparing for one these days. The Communist Party is implementing the largest military buildup since the Second World War.
Why did Xi Jinping choose to engage in conflict? And why is China deteriorating rapidly, with Xi being held responsible? To make matters worse, significant issues are undermining his Maoist-influenced strategies, which prioritize state-owned enterprises over private and foreign corporations. Xi’s persistent severance of China’s connections with other nations is particularly concerning.
Last week, Biden correctly stated that Utah is facing trouble in a political event, with the only way out for Chinese people being to rally behind Xi due to an external crisis in China.
During Xi’s tenure, Beijing has consistently threatened to use nuclear weapons to deter the United States and other countries from intervening in Taiwan or other potential targets. China has also issued periodic unprovoked warnings to Japan and Australia, indicating that even these countries could be subject to nuclear attacks starting in 2021. Additionally, China has specifically emphasized its intention to target Taiwan, which it considers as its 34th province.
According to Richard Fisher of the International Assessment and Strategy Center, his modifications in the PLA high command demonstrate Xi’s requirement for senior officers who will comply with war directives. Fisher stated, “During a time when Xi is getting ready for conflict, particularly if the early phases of a war do not proceed favorably for Chinese aggressors, Xi necessitates dutiful Rocket Force officers who will carry out instructions to initiate nuclear weapons.”
Charles Burton of the Ottawa-based Macdonald-Laurier Institute stated that despite Xi Jinping’s perceived control over the Communist Party, there is mounting evidence of instability within China’s military leadership. The recent removal of both the commander and political commissar of the Rocket Force indicates significant dissatisfaction within the military towards Xi Jinping. The fact that numerous individuals have been purged suggests a widespread defiance among the ranks, characterized by a reluctance to engage in warfare. In fact, the regime even issued a death sentence to former Air Force General Liu Yazhou this year due to his persistent opposition to a potential invasion of Taiwan, highlighting that he is not the only one with such views.
“Xi’s policies, both foreign and domestic, have caused a cratering economy in Beijing,” remarked Burton, a former Canadian diplomat. “As President Biden noted earlier this month, China is facing significant challenges. When things go wrong and people are experiencing severe problems, it is not a good sign.”
Negative occurrences such as initiating conflicts.
Whether the Chinese military will remain loyal to Xi if he orders an invasion of Taiwan is now highly uncertain, according to Burton.
A nuclear weapon is the device that the world must currently contemplate. According to Biden, China is “a ticking time bomb” that we are aware of, although there is one thing we know.
Gordon G. Chang is the author of “The Coming Collapse of China”. Follow him on Twitter @GordonGChang. It is predicted that a war is imminent and China is on the brink of collapse.
The opinions stated in this article are the author’s personal views.